IPL 2026: 5 LSG Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had a disappointing IPL 2025, finishing in seventh place with 12 points from 14 games. Under India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, fans expected them to compete strongly and push for their maiden IPL title. 

However, they eventually failed to even qualify for the playoffs. Now, ahead of the 2026 season, LSG might look to release some players who underperformed and failed to deliver in 2025.   

Here are the 5 LSG Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed

This Indian all-rounder, Shahbaz Ahmed, is generally regarded as a utility player. With his left-arm spin and ability to act as a floater in the batting line-up, he has the potential to make key contributions with both bat and ball. However, in IPL 2025 for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he failed to make an impact.

Across three matches, Shahbaz conceded 102 runs at an economy rate of 12.00, managing just a single wicket. With the bat, he got only one opportunity and scored nine runs. Hence, it is likely that LSG will look to release him ahead of IPL 2026 and search for more effective all-round options.

2. William O’Rourke

This Kiwi pacer, William O’Rourke, joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for young Indian quick Mayank Yadav. O’Rourke picked up six wickets in three matches, but his economy rate of 12.77 proved costly and did not help the team’s cause.

With Mayank expected to return fit and ready for the 2026 season, LSG are most likely to back their young speedster once again. As a result, O’Rourke could be released. 

3. David Miller

David Miller also endured a poor IPL 2025 for LSG. With all his experience, it was expected that he would play a pivotal role, especially as a finisher down the order. However, in 11 innings, he managed only 153 runs at a strike rate of 127.50. Considering this performance, the franchise might look for another option for the role and release the experienced batter ahead of IPL 2026.  

4. Ravi Bishnoi

The Indian leg-spinner, Ravi Bishnoi, also failed to live up to expectations. In 11 matches in IPL 2025, he picked up nine wickets while conceding 401 runs at an economy of 10.83. Over the last few years, whether in the IPL or on the international stage, Bishnoi’s form has dipped. 

By the end of 2023, he was the number one-ranked bowler in T20Is. But now, he is nowhere near the selectors’ consideration for Team India. Hence, time might be running out, and LSG could take the bold decision to release the spinner ahead of the next season.  

5. Akash Deep

Team India star pacer Akash Deep might also be released by LSG ahead of IPL 2026. In the 2025 season, he managed only three wickets in six matches while conceding 229 runs at an economy of 12.05. Therefore, the franchise might look to move on and explore other Indian pace-bowling options who have impressed in domestic white-ball cricket. 

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